Pinellas jail employee charged with DUI after crash

July 9, 2010

LARGO, Fla. (AP) — A civilian employee at the Pinellas County jail was charged with driving under the influence after reportedly crashing through a jail fence.

The sheriff's officer reports that 42-year-old Diane Ferron, an assistant inmate records supervisor, was leaving work Wednesday when she lost control of her vehicle and plowed through the jail's exterior chain-link fence.

When deputies responded, they noted that Ferron seemed to be impaired. She reportedly failed a field sobriety test, but deputies ruled out alcohol. Ferron said she had taken prescription medication.

Ferron was charged with DUI and DUI with property damage. Since both charges are misdemeanors, the sheriff's office reports that Ferron will be allowed to return to work pending an internal inquiry.